Meet Jackie Centrella of Centrella Candles in Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Centrella.

Jackie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I got pregnant and decided I wanted to have an all-natural home birth. I hired two midwives, Rachel Martin Flynn, and Danielle Haines. They provided several classes leading up to the birth to make sure their clients were fully equipped when the big day arrived. One of the classes was all about health and a clean home environment. And by clean, I don’t mean that the dishes were done and the laundry was picked up off the floor. I’m talking about the toxic chemicals in everyday items such as laundry detergent, candles, lotions, hand soaps, shampoos, etc. We sat down and wrote a list of every product I used and then determined whether that was a safe and healthy option or not. I failed miserably.

My biggest offense, my body and bath products. I had it all – lotions, candles, wall plug-ins, body sprays, hand sanitizers, lip gloss. My midwives showed me all of the toxic chemicals in these nice smelling, beautifully packaged products. I didn’t want to believe it, I was actually in denial. My boyfriend gathered them all up and hid them when I wasn’t home. I ACTUALLY CRIED when I realized they were all gone. It was like I had an intervention performed on me. After the initial shock wore off, I remembered that this was all being done with the best intentions for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy environment for a baby to be born into.

I switched to oil diffusers but something was still lacking. That sexy candle flame. I really, really missed having candles. There’s something about a candle that makes me feel happy and cozy. Non-toxic candles in the health stores cost an arm and a leg… so I decided to start making my own!

After lots of research and trying out different products, I found the best quality products that I can stand by and feel great about! My first market was at Babymoon Inn and now I have a pop-up market every Sunday at Fuego Bistro on 7th st and Bethany Home! Thanks to my friends and family for being my first supporters and making my hobby into a business! It feels great putting healthy candles in people’s homes!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’d say overall, it has been a smooth road. Starting your own business is never 100% smooth sailing but that is what makes for a great story!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Centrella Candles specializes in non-toxic soy candles! All of our ingredients are made in America! I use 100% soy wax, cotton wick, non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance in reusable mason jars. The fragrance is within the strict guidelines of California Proposition 65. My labels are made from 100% recycled material. I deliver the candles in brown paper bags, no plastic! I even offer a $1 discount for every returned candle jar with a lid on future orders! Not only did I want to create a safe and clean candle, but I wanted to be as green as possible too!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Being born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I feel a great sense of pride in my hometown! I love this city. I love the sunrises, the sunsets, the great places to eat, the mountains to hike, the lakes, the cooler weather up north, the healing properties of Sedona, the communities of moms that have supported me in my motherhood journey, and the beautiful weather. Sometimes, I remember when there wasn’t so much traffic…but hey, a thriving city means more traffic.

Pricing:

• $10 for each 5oz candle

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6023913966
• Email: centrellacandles@yahoo.com
• Instagram: CentrellaCandles
• Facebook: facebook.com/centrellacandles

Image Credit:
Matt Cooper

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